Calling world music labels (and people who know people who work for world music labels, or management, or PR companies). Every now and then I put a post up on this forum asking record label or management folk to get in touch because I’m simply not getting enough decent material to review. That time has come around again.

I’ve only got about half a dozen CDs coming out in the next month or so from which to choose something to review, yet – if the pages of Songlines and fRoots is anything to go by – there’s loads of stuff out there, missing an opportunity to be reviewed in the Independent or on the Arts Desk. Sometimes I try to chase up labels, but perhaps sometimes there's a language barrier problem and I hear nothing back.

As for what has been dropping through the letter box: a brilliant Justin Adams produced album by Iness Mezel, the sublime Brazilian singer songwriter Tulipa, and that new cumbia compilation 'Cartagena!' are three things well worth hearing. And yesterday saw the arrival of the new one from Watcha Clan which I've not fully got my head around yet.

Howard, if you haven't already followed up on Roots of Life by Los Chicharrons as mentioned by Jamie in the Hot Tips topic, I think you might find something interesting to say about it. No guarantees, of course.

Two seconds googling will find you a download — no need to wait 'til Monday to use the phone or get mail — and more info than you really need.

Oh, well, I thought it worth a try. Seems to me to mix the Malian with the Afrobeat in a sort of electrodance funk frame that might have stimulated comment by you — although possibly you could use less clichés than I just did.

Just saw this

with a release date of March 28, so could get you a bit ahead of the game. We had some discussion of this concept on the forum some time ago so either someone picked up the ball or great minds think alike. Makes me go all misty eyed and nostalgic. Changing concepts and practices of world music is surely a subject that wouldn't put everyone to sleep if addressed with insight. Compare this, for example, with Sofrito Tropical Discotheque.

I'm definitely interested in how this sounds when put together. Most tracks I'm very familiar with; maybe half a dozen I don't recall. Full track listing at:

Do give the Chicharrons CD another go Howard, i don't think I've heard quite that combination of influences before, although it might be that it's a little too drilled for the dancefloor for your tastes.